Why You Should Choose a BSN

Considerations for Second-Career Nurses

However, many who go into nursing as a second career don’t have the time or money to earn a four-year degree and are content staying at the bedside, says Sally Durand, RN, MSN, director of the associate-degree nursing program at Alvin Community College in Alvin, Texas.

Second-career nurse Laura Soria, RN, ADN, earned her associate’s degree in her early 40s. A nurse for the Brazoria County Health Department in Angleton, Texas, Soria says she is perfectly happy with her level of education and the job opportunities available to her. However, pressure from coworkers, including doctors and fellow nurses, makes her feel inadequate.

“I think a lot of people look down on the ones who just have the [ADN],” Soria says. “At my age…I love my job and changing my [credentials at the end of my name] would not help me in the job that I’m in. Basically, the only thing the BSN will get you is a managerial job. I don’t want to be the boss. I think it really matters what your goals are.”